If you look at the NBA champions of the last 20 years, with the exception of Michael Jordan’s Bulls, you’ll find that almost every title winner had an elite center on their team. Position is integral to the success of a team, especially one seeking a title.

With that said, I thought it would be interesting to take a look at the top five centers in the NBA right now. We are not talking about professional achievements, but about the players who have the most significant impacts on their team at the moment.

Anyway, let’s get to work.

5. Al Horford. This may be an unconventional pick, but all you have to do is look at the Hawks’ record this season. Also, look at the team’s history since Horford was drafted. What was once a miserably failed franchise just a few years ago is now one of the strongest teams in the Eastern Conference. What’s the difference, you ask? The presence of Horford, one of the best defensive players in the game.

4.Chris Bosch. A versatile player with many elements in his game, Bosh can score the ball with ease and his quickness makes him one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the game. At only 25 years old, he should continue to improve over time.

3. Tim Duncan. He may be in the twilight of his career, but Duncan remains an extremely effective presence in center. It would be hard to imagine what the Spurs would be without him, but I think they’d be pretty bad. The four titles he has won with this team make him the most valuable running center of this current generation.

2. Pablo Gasol. The Spanish center is truly versatile, with his suave style making everyone around him better. For evidence of just how valuable he is, look at what his presence did for last year’s champion Lakers. A team that would normally make it to the first or second round of the playoffs instantly won a championship once it acquired Gasol.

1. DwightHoward. No player in the NBA right now is stronger than Dwight Howard. Not only can he work his way under boards and block shots like nobody’s business, but Howard led his Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals last year. Not even the Cavs and LeBron could stop him, which should be a true testament to his dominance.